Mardell was located on Section Thirteen (13), Washburn Township. It was platted by Samuel H. Reynolds in 1882. The plat was filed by Richard P. Sherman at Valley City on June 1, 1882 because Griggs County was not organized until June 16, 1882. It was also filed at Griggs County on July 30, 1881.

Richard P. Sherman chose the name. It was said to be a contraction of "Marvelous Dell."

In 1882 a hotel called the Park Avenue was built. It had about twenty rooms.

The Mardell Post Office was established April 3, 1882 with Theodore F. Kerr as postmaster.

The Townsite of Mardell has been an unmarked field for many years.

Source: Cooperstown Diamond Jubilee 1882-1957 Page 56